Ellis Guilford School in Nottingham, part of Creative Education Trust (CET), was recently inspected by Ofsted and has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas, marking a significant improvement since its ‘Requires Improvement’ rating in 2021.
The report sets out how leaders and trustees for the secondary school have worked “with determination” to make improvements and even highlights that “many older pupils comment on how much the school has improved since they started.”
Inspectors noted that, at Ellis Guilford, “everyone is given the chance to belong and succeed” and pupils feel safe and cared for.
Other highlights from the report include:
- School leaders and trustees want pupils to aim high with confidence and they have designed a curriculum to achieve this.
- Teachers explain new learning clearly and are able to adapt lessons to meet pupils’ needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Pastoral care is prioritised and all pupils know they can talk to adults if they are worried. Through high-quality support and intervention, pupils’ attendance has improved.
- Leaders have developed an effective approach to teaching reading, including providing additional classes for pupils who need help to improve their reading. In lessons, vocabulary is taught so that pupils can explain their learning clearly.
- Leaders were commended for the school’s personal development programme for pupils. Pupils learn the values of integrity, respect and democracy. Pupils also receive careers advice and benefit from visits to universities, as well as learning about a range of jobs and workplaces.
- Pupils were noted as appreciating the wide range of opportunities they can access. This ranges from after school clubs such as debating to the chance for any new year 7 pupil to learn to play a musical instrument.
One parent praised school staff for being “fantastic”, providing support to her and her children, and for addressing worries and concerns effectively and in a timely manner. She said that it was “evident that staff are passionate about the children they work with”.
Chris Keen, Executive Principal at Ellis Guilford School, said:
“I would like to say a massive thank you to all our staff, pupils and parents for all their hard work and support. This report sets out just how far we’ve come, and I’m delighted to see all the improvements we’ve made together have been recognised.
“We promise to continue to build on this success by upholding our core values – equality, integrity, and ambition – and we look forward to what the future holds.”
Nicole McCartney, Director of Education at CET, said:
“Well done to all staff, pupils and parents at Ellis Guilford for this brilliant achievement. We are so pleased that the significant improvements made have been recognised and that Ellis Guilford has been praised for its safe and caring culture.
“We look forward to continuing to support Ellis Guilford School. I am excited to see what is next.”
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